Are you running an older version of Word and can't open the .DOCX file you just got in an email? This format was introduced in Word 2007, but can cause a lot of problems with older versions of Word as well as other word processors. Luckily, converting these documents is fairly easy. See Step 1 below to learn how.

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Steps

Method 1 of 4: Installing the Compatibility Pack for Office XP and 2003

1

Download the pack from Microsoft. The compatibility pack will allow your older version of Word to load .DOCX files. To find the pack, visit the Office section of the Microsoft Download Center. The compatibility pack is typically the number one download.

The download is free, and should only be downloaded from the Microsoft site.

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2

Run the installation file. Once the download is complete, run the FileFormatConverters.exe file. This will install the update to your Office installation, allowing you to open .DOCX files.

3

Open your file. Once the pack has been installed, you should be able to open the .DOCX file as you would any other document. You can either double-click it to load it, or open it from within Word.[1]

Method 2 of 4: Using a Converter

1

Download a converter or find an online converter. There are a variety of programs and services that allow you to easily convert your files into standard .DOC format. Popular conversion services include:

Zamzar

Investintech

Free File Convert

2

Upload your file. Online conversion services require you to upload your file in order to be converted. Most services have a strong privacy policy in effect, but if you are concerned with security you should avoid this method.

3

Download your converted file. After a moment, your converted document will be available to download. Depending on the service, your file may be emailed to you, or it may be provided as a download link directly on the site. If you are using a conversion program, the file will be placed in the folder you designated for converted documents.

Method 3 of 4: Using Google Drive

1

Open Google Drive. Google Drive will convert documents to the Google format, which will allow you to open it. You can then download it as a different format, or edit it directly in Drive. Google Drive requires a free Google account.

2

Upload your file. Click the red Upload button, located next to the Crete button in the upper-left corner of the page. It looks like an upwards-pointing arrow over a horizontal line.

A file browser will open, allowing you to search for the file on your computer.

3

Enable conversion. When the file is chosen, a window will appear asking you to set your upload settings. Make sure the "Convert documents..." box is checked. This will convert the .DOCX file into the Google Docs format, allowing you to edit it in Drive.

If you don't convert the file, you can still view it in Drive but you won't be able to edit it.

4

Open the file. Your file will be added to your My Drive folder, which can be accessed from the left navigation menu on the Drive page. Click the file to open it in the Drive viewer or editor, depending on whether or not you converted it.

5

Review the converted file. There's a good chance that any fancy formatting was messed up during the conversion process, so review the document to ensure that everything is where it should be.

6

Download the file as another format. You can download the file back to your computer as another file format, such as .PDF or .RTF. Click File → Download As → and select the format you want. The file will be downloaded to your computer like any other file you would download.[2]

Any advanced formatting such as right-to-left text and other heavy scripting will most likely not convert properly.

Method 4 of 4: Using ONLYOFFICE

1

Open ONLYOFFICE.[3]. It is a free tool and the sign up is performed via social networks/email.

2

Upload a .docx file from your computer. Use the "Upload" button located in the left upper corner next to "Create" button. ONLYOFFICE works with .docx format directly, so no additional conversions needed. .

A file browser will open, allowing you to search for the file on your computer.

3

Open the file. Your file will be added to your My Documents folder, which can be accessed from the left navigation menu on your personal ONLYOFFICE page. Click the file to edit, it will be opened in a new window.

4

Edit the document. ONLYOFFICE has a very similar interface to Microsoft Office, which is convenient for experienced Microsoft users.

5

Everything you change in the document is saved automatically.

6

Download the file to your computer in any format: PDF, TXT, DOCX, ODT, HTML. Click on the "File" icon located on the left side menu and choose "Download as" option. The file will be downloaded to your computer like any other file you would download.[4]

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